Forza Motorsport 6: Apex coming to the PC as a free-to-play title

Well, that's certainly unexpected. Microsoft's long-running racing franchise, Forza Motorsport, is finally making the leap to the PC with Forza Motorsport 6: Apex. The game will be available free-to-play in the Windows 10 Store as a "curated experience" aimed at players who are new to the series. Grab a bib and feast on the trailer below.

Dang. I was reaching for the the keys to that McLaren P1, but my hand was blocked by the monitor. Microsoft is touting the game as a DirectX 12- and 4K-enabled title, and the trailer certainly seems to indicate the game is going to make good use of both those technologies.

Apex isn't the full Forza Motorsport experience, but it will still offer 63 different cars with full cockpit and damage simulation. Players will get to race on six tracks set up in 20 different configurations. Night-time and wet-weather racing are included, too.

The game's career mode is based on a 12-event tour, which is meant to bring players up to speed with each of the game's different cars. The tour is narrated by Top Gear presenters James May and Richard Hammond. Microsoft says the game relies on an objective and scoring system with "constant rewards." Apex is a free-to-play title, which usually implies paid add-ons and extra content. The company didn't say anything about what in-game purchases will be available or at what prices, though.

Forza's trademark Drivatar AI system will be present in the new title, too. Plus, you'll get to chase The Stig. What's not to like?